Local community leaders and scholars congregated at the Arizona Opera Center Monday to discuss Hispanic culture and issues, and how they can be better understood and promoted through the arts.
The “Borders of Understanding” lecture was the first segment as part of the Arizona Opera’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, which will begin the 2014-2015 season for the Arizona Opera. The goal of the event, and the festival, is to recognize cultural contrasts and find a common ground.
“I wanted to thank you for what is probably a cordial conversation on a difficult topic that faces our state,” said Eleanor Satuito, a public defender in the audience. “It’s a problem that is pretty complex. I don’t know that either side has all the answers, and I haven’t liked their answers (in reference to Arizona government) at all.”
Daniel Buckley, journalist and filmmaker, moderated the discussion. The panelists discussed different types of art forms and how they play into the understanding of cultural aspects.
Eduardo Pagán, an ASU professor and current the co-host of “History Detectives” on PBS, said that the arts really help in humanizing the stories and struggles of Hispanic people. He talked about the importance of mariachi and its influence in Hispanic culture.
“Mariachi music in many ways is kind of the jazz of Mexico,” Pagán said. “It’s a fusion art form that is reflective of the cultural diversity that Mexico is.”
Buckley noted that mariachi itself is a culture within cultures, as it also encompasses African, Spanish, gypsy and Native American elements. He also said that some groups have even taken 1960’s rock hits and call themselves “metalachi.”
James Garcia, an award winning play writer and panelist, said there are muralists, musicians and visual arts that all contribute to the conversation. He said there are organizations that are going “towards some enlightenment” and taking active steps.
Regions and organizations have taken on a different mentality, according to Garcia. He said places like the Phoenix Art Museum have taken action to promote cultural diversity, and Scottsdale has a full fall festival dedicated to Latin flavor. He also mentioned that Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has even began a trade mission in Mexico this very week.
“In every aspect of the arts community, somebody has spoken to where Arizona is now,” Garcia said. “This reflects the ability of art to address those (issues) in a multiplicity of ways that it can.”
Along with the discussion, the center also plans to celebrate by putting on the world’s first mariachi opera, “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna.”
“(The opera shows) the idea of being a family on both sides, which actually represents Mexico and the United States,” said Shoshana Tancer, immigration lawyer and panelist.
This opera breaks from the mold, Garcia said, because it is not a classic opera. It’s a relatively new work that reflects “the full color and character of the communities that exist in this area,” which he said is what should have been reflected in April 2010 instead of legislation like SB1070.
The Hispanic Heritage Festival will run Oct. 6 through the 12 in Phoenix and have a second round the following week in Tucson. Leading up to the performances of the opera, the center will put on several conversations, demonstrations and celebrations to honor Hispanic culture.
Contact the reporter at mdlope15@asu.edu
